Causes Of Itchy Anus & Perineum

By Patricia | June 10, 2009

An irritation in the anus also called pruritus ani happens when the skin becomes irritated at the rectum’s exit, causing the need to scratch. The level of intensity of the anus irritation increases with sitting, rubbing caused by clothes, pressure and moisture. In the worst cases, the irritation of the anus will cause a discomfort that is intolerable accompanied by soreness and burning. An itchy anus is not a dysfunction or a condition that is serious. The veins that are present around the anus are vulnerable to damage, which can lead to hemorrhoids that are external or internal. This is also called piles and can bring about symptoms like blood in the feces, swelling, and itching. An itchy anus and vagina could be because of the onset of the condition.

Itchy Skin Around Anus

Using toiletries that are perfumed like soaps or toilet paper can cause the sensitive skin that lines the anus to become irritated. Improper hygiene, like not washing the anus properly or often enough, can also contribute to an itchy skin around the anus. Cleaning the anus is hard because of its shape and sometimes some fecal matter can get stuck in the skin causing an irritation of the anus. Another cause of an irritated anus is from diarrhea or if you experience stools that are soft. To solve this problem you could invest in a bidet and increase your fiber intake. Washing and wiping too vigorously or thoroughly can also result in an irritation if the skin gets scratched and dried too much. You could reduce the damage by making use of smaller cotton swabs or pieces of tissue to dry the anus. Making changes to your diet and cleaning routine will eliminate the need to clean too aggressively, leaving your skin clean and soft. Experiencing an irritated anus after bowel movements could be because of hemorrhoids and diarrhea.

Itchy Anus And Vagina

Some tips you could follow to avoid these problems are to avoid using perfumes and chemicals that are harsh. Wearing undergarments that are tight can also bring about sensations of itchiness. Avoid wearing such undergarments and instead go in for ones made of cotton that allow the areas that are moist to dry. Also, make sure that you change your undergarments if you notice any form of wetness or discharge. It is important to keep the area of the vagina and anus dry to prevent diseases from occurring. There are also certain types of food and medications that can cause an irritation around the anus. Observe your diet and eliminate the foods that create a problem, and consult a doctor regarding the medications. A doctor may suggest an alternative therapy that does not have these side effects. Some of the foods that contain chemicals that can irritate the anus are peppers, hot sauces, spices, tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, milk products, tomatoes, and white bread. You could also apply a thin layer of almond oil or coconut oil to reduce the dryness. Hot baths or showers are also considered to make the skin dry. Hence, avoiding hot baths and moisturizers for sensitive skin can prevent the skin from getting itchy and dry. When you experience an itchy sensation it is natural to want to scratch the area. However, you must refrain from scratching the area as it will make the condition worse.

Irritated Anus

An irritated anus can also be caused when small amounts of the stool escape because of flatulence or incontinence, diarrhea, frequent liquid stools, and perspiration. Another cause is candidiasis or yeast infection. There are also some diseases like HIV or diabetes mellitus, which cause the possibility of yeast infections to increase. Antibiotic treatments can also bring about yeast infection and itchy skin around the anus. Passageways that are abnormal from the small intestine to the skin around the anus can be formed from diseases like Crohn’s disease, and these fistulas cause irritating fluids to come to the anal area. Other problems that can bring about anal itching are skin tags, tearing of the anal skin, hemorrhoids, and pinworms. An itchy scalp and anus can be caused by localized scratch dermatitis, which can happen anywhere on the body.

Itchy Perineum

An itchy scrotum may result due to itching or irritation of the skin of the scrotum. In cases that are severe, the thickness of the scrotums skin may increase and there may be a secretion of water that is yellow in color from the area of the skin that is scratched. If you experience an itchy perineum, crotch, or balls, it could be because of a jock itch. This condition can be caused by friction from clothes and constant wetness in the area of the groin. It is also considered to be contagious and can be contracted by another person from contact with skin and unwashed clothing. An itchy vulva and labia is not usually caused by an infection that is sexually transmitted, and it is usually due to a skin infection or thrush. The vulvas lips, which are the labia, are covered by skin that is ordinary, and it can get affected by conditions like psoriasis and eczema, resulting in itchy vag lips. Yeast infections can also cause an itchy vagina and urethra. For a baby, an itchy anus could be because of a diaper rash. This condition is caused because of the frequent wetting and drying of the skin.

The treatment for a simple itch involves bringing relief from the soreness and burning. It is essential that you keep the anus clean and dry and avoid letting any soap remain in the region of the anus. Your efforts at cleaning should include showering gently, without rubbing the skin directly. After the movements of the bowels, you could use moist pads rather than toilet paper to clean the anus. You could also get some over the counter medications for the treatment of an itchy anus. These medications usually consist of the same drugs that are used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. They come in the form of pads, foams, suppositories, gels, creams and ointments. If you experience an itching that is persistent, it is important that you consult a doctor who can identify the underlying causes.

Itchy anus is not a serious disorder or dysfunction. The veins around the anus are prone to damage leading to internal or external hemorrhoids. This is also known as piles and can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling and blood in feces. Itchy anus could be a result of the onset of such a condition or a temporary condition. Using perfumed toiletries such as toilet papers or soaps can cause irritation to the sensitive skin lining the anus. Similarly, inadequate levels of personal hygiene could also contribute such a situation. Some basic tips to keep such problems at bay include avoiding the use of harsh chemicals, perfumes and perfumed toiletries. Wearing tight undergarments can also contribute to itchy sensations. Avoid such situations and opt for cotton undergarments that allow the usually moist areas a chance to dry. Change undergarments frequently if you witness any form of discharge or wetness. It is important to keep the anus and vagina area dry to avoid the onset of diseases.

Certain medications and types of food can also cause irritation around the anus. Monitor such intake and eliminate the problematic foods from your diet and consult a medical practitioner if the medication needs to be continued. A medical practitioner can help provide alternative therapies which may not result in such side effects. It is advisable to apply a thin film of coconut oil, almond oil to ease dryness. It is also recommended to refrain from excessive cleansing. Cleaning or wiping more than require can do more damage than benefit. So minimize damage by using small swabs of cotton or tissues to keep the anus dry rather than opting for a full fledged cleansing regime. Hot showers or baths are also known to cause dry skin. Therefore avoiding hot baths and indulging the sensitive skin to moisturizers can help avoid the skin getting dry and itchy. Itchy sensation also invites a scratchy reaction. Avoid scratching to avoid making the condition worse.

Drinking plenty of water can help flush the toxins and reduce chances of getting an itchy anus. Similarly, if passing stools becomes a problem, opt for a high fiber diet that will help soften stools and reduce discomfort in passing stools. A fresh fruit or vegetable juice diet can also help ease digestion and consequent excretion. It is best to avoid spicy foods, dairy products, carbonated drinks, dried fruits and citrus fruits until the condition improves.

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